At Least 18 Maoists Killed In Encounter With Security Forces In Chhattisgarh's Kanker Days Before Voting: All Details Here

An ongoing anti-Naxal operation in the forest area of Chhotebethiya police station limits in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district has resulted in the deaths of at least 18 Maoists, according to the Border Security Force (BSF).

The encounter began following specific intelligence inputs, prompting a joint operation by the BSF and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in the Binagunda area under Chotebetiya police station's jurisdiction in Kanker, as per a statement from the central police force.

During the operation, the BSF team faced heavy fire from the insurgents, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire after the troops retaliated.

Superintendent of Police, Kanker, Kalyan Elesela initially confirmed the death of eight Maoists, with the possibility of the number increasing as the combing operation continued.

Subsequently, the BSF reported that the bodies of 18 Maoists had been recovered from the encounter site.

Additionally, seven AK series rifles and three Light Machine Guns (LMGs) were seized. Two security personnel sustained injuries in the gunfight, with one BSF personnel, who suffered a bullet injury on his leg, now in stable condition.

This incident has occured just before the commencement of polling for the Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh, with only the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency voting in the first phase on 19 April, and Kanker, where the encounter took place, voting in the second phase along with Rajnandgaon and Mahasamund on 26 April.

Since December 2023, 68 Maoists have been killed in separate encounters with security forces in the Bastar region, comprising seven districts, including Kanker.

In 2023, a total of 70 encounters between Maoists and security forces occurred, resulting in the deaths of 22 Maoists, according to government records.

Additionally, 394 Maoists were arrested by security forces during this period.